Sponsors (2)
The bill pilots comprehensive, employer-linked coverage and local partnerships to expand access for low-income and uninsured people, but it relies on enrollee/employer contributions, has restrictive eligibility and engagement rules, and is funded at a scale that may limit affordability, continuity, and nationwide reach.
Low-income and uninsured individuals gain access to comprehensive health coverage (physician, hospital, behavioral health, prescriptions, emergency services, and population-health supports).
Workers at small employers can access affordable employer-linked coverage that reduces reliance on Medicaid and eases transitions off public programs.
Participants receive individualized assessments and health coaching to help address psychosocial barriers, which may improve employment prospects and economic self-sufficiency.
Low-income enrollees and small employers must make direct financial contributions, which could create affordability pressures and deter enrollment or strain budgets.
Policy caps on copayments and bans on deductibles could raise program costs and threaten long-term financial sustainability if alternative funding is insufficient.
Enrollment could be limited or rescinded for individuals who fail to meet engagement thresholds, risking coverage interruptions for people facing barriers to participation.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Authorizes HHS to award 3–5 grants to create Community Multi‑Share Coverage programs that link hospitals, community partners, and small employers to reduce uninsurance and support workforce exits from Medicaid.
Creates a new HHS grant program to fund 3–5 local Community Multi‑Share Coverage programs that help people move from government coverage to affordable employer‑linked health plans, support small business recovery by enabling affordable coverage for workers, and address workforce barriers such as behavioral health and psychosocial needs. The HHS Secretary must award grants within 180 days of enactment and the programs must meet specified coverage, access, and community‑partnership requirements. The program establishes minimum benefit and delivery standards for covered services (medical, hospital, behavioral health including SUD, preventive, diagnostics, drugs, emergency services, population‑health services), restricts deductibles and caps copayments to avoid access barriers, requires local presence and written agreements among partners, and ties grant use to workforce development and small business participation.
Official title: To require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to support community-based coverage entities to carry out a comprehensive coverage program that provides qualifying individuals and small businesses health coverage and integrated health-related social need services to small business workers that promote improved health, long-term economic self-sufficiency, employment and retention, and for other purposes.
Introduced April 29, 2026 by John Moolenaar · Last progress April 29, 2026